Matt Shakman, a renowned director and executive producer, is set to take on a new project that promises to be a legal thriller with a star-studded cast. The series, titled 'Discretion', stars Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning, with Shakman at the helm, directing the pilot and three additional episodes. This marks a significant development for the streaming platform Paramount+, as they secure a highly competitive project, 'Discretion', which landed at Paramount+ in a straight-to-series order last October.
'Discretion' is based on a fictional short story by Chandler Baker, the author of 'The Husbands'. The narrative revolves around Lenny (Fanning), a summer associate at a prestigious Dallas law firm, who uncovers a web of NDAs that conceal a dark truth. Her discovery puts her in a challenging position as she realizes she has signed the same agreement, leading to a complex mentor-protégé dynamic with the firm's powerful female partner, Sharon (Kidman).
This project is a reunion of sorts for Shakman and Fanning, as he previously directed the pilot of Hulu's 'The Great', starring Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, which earned him an Emmy nomination. Shakman's recent work includes directing the pilot and finale of Apple TV's 'Wild Things', as well as the Marvel Studios series 'WandaVision', for which he also received an Emmy nomination. His expertise in directing pilots and his ability to handle complex narratives make him an ideal choice for 'Discretion'.
The series boasts a talented executive production team, including Baker, Shakman, Susannah Grant, Kidman, and Per Saari via Blossom Films, as well as Fanning, Dakota Fanning, and Brittany Kahan Ward through Lewellen Pictures. Additional executive producers include Joe Hipps from A24-based Cut To and Jordan Cerf from Linden Entertainment. With such a diverse and experienced team, 'Discretion' is poised to be a compelling addition to the legal thriller genre.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this project is the exploration of power dynamics and the ethical implications of signing NDAs. The story raises questions about who gets to keep secrets and at what cost, a theme that is both relevant and thought-provoking. Shakman's direction and the stellar cast, including Kidman and Fanning, will undoubtedly bring depth and complexity to these themes.
In my opinion, 'Discretion' has the potential to be a groundbreaking series, offering a fresh take on the legal thriller genre. With Shakman's expertise in directing complex narratives and the talented cast, it is sure to captivate audiences and spark important conversations. As an industry expert, I am excited to see how this project unfolds and the impact it will have on the streaming landscape.
